Super Talents

As the ideal venue for collections that focus on research and innovative elements, Super’s secret weapon is its special focus on scouting. And the special TALENTS area is one of its main pillars of strengths, presenting a selection of the most promising creative talents in the worldwide panorama of fashion. In collaboration with Sara Maino from Vogue Talents, these names that are making headway on the international scene are in the limelight with their creative collections. They come not only from Italy, but also France and Denmark, as well as from emerging markets like Taiwan, Nigeria, Ukraine, and Mexico, and present a wide range of styles and trends, from total looks to accessories, special capsule collections of bags, footwear, handmade hats, and jewelry.

Benedetta Bruzziches

Where did your passion for fashion come from? A passion is something you have inside and I have always had it, not only for fashion but for everything I like and try to do as best I can. I refused fashion because a system that convinces you to be something different every six months to sell a product doesn’t work for me. At this moment we don’t need a product; we need something to give a value to. So, my passion began at the same time as I started to see fashion as personal communication!

If you had to introduce yourself: how would you describe yourself? How would you describe your style? I am a woman and a dreamer who tries to transmit her way of living in her work and in her collections. My bags are talismans for women all around the world. My way of living in pursuit of adventure and ideals is reflected in my creations, which attempt to recuperate artisanship that would otherwise be lost. We are Artisanauts, a group of under-thirties who want to once again master the wisdom of hands!

What does being a Talent mean today, or rather, what do you need in order to stand out from all the others? Ours is a generation no longer in touch with making things; we have lost all awareness of our hands as tools and we increasingly convince ourselves that things are difficult, if not impossible, to make. My advice, not only to a young emerging name, but to everyone, is to never give up and try to do everything as best you can to give your max, without holding back or being afraid of hard work. Nothing is impossible if you want it enough. Our Argo is a work table, our helm a shear and our sails fabric we cut our bags from. On board we do things that nobody does any longer because they are difficult and we do them like they used to in the past, with patience and passion. We are not afraid of hard work: on the contrary, it is the compass that guides us along little-explored routes of artisanship towards the lands of our dreams.

Céline Méteil

When and how did your passion for fashion begin? Since the cradle. If you had to introduce yourself: How would you describe yourself ? Singular

How would you describe your style? If I were a time period in painting, I would be a blend of Poussin-like Classisicm, Watteau-like Roccoco, Friedrich-like Romantism. And your latest collection? Enveloping. What does it mean to be a "Talent" today, or rather, what a designer should have to be "different" from others? Humility and boldness.

Flavialarocca

Where did your passion for fashion come from? I think it’s in my DNA. Since I was little I have always seen clothes made at home: paper patterns, tacking, trying on and final garment. I think that knowing the technical side of fashion, the construction and manual work, immediately showed me the real face of this craft. At the age of 18 I then chose to study “fashion”, with its dynamics, marketing, communication, its sociological aspect and the history of costume. At 21 I started my career as a press reporter, which lasted four years and involved important names and fundamental experiences. Then in September 2011, I decided to try out my interpretation of "fashion" and become an active cog in the mechanism with Flavialarocca.

How would you describe yourself and how would you describe your style? Modular, Sustainable, Contemporary, Decisive and Feminine. Modular for the concept of composition of garments thought up for mixing and matching to create different combinations. Sustainable, for the use of regenerated or recycled fabrics, all Made in Italy. Contemporary, because it is inspired by everyday life, by a woman who works, travels or moves about the city. Decisive, finally, in its geometric lines and references to a masculine wardrobe. What must a designer have to be considered a Talent? In a purely creative sense I would say that the word itself says it all. Talent. I would also add curiosity, willingness to intercept outside input. In order to move ahead I would say determination, tenacity and an ability to focus.

Francesca Evangelista

Where did your passion for fashion come from? My passion for fashion was born when I was still a little girl. Right from an early age, even before I discovered my love for drawing and illustration, I imagined dresses worn by courageous women, always different and very feminine. I would like to be able to still have all those images with me and look at them through my eyes today, even just to see if my taste then has even changed so much. I have had the chance to follow this vocation through as I've grown up and turn it into my profession. The best thing about this job is seeing what you have imagined turn into reality.

How would you describe yourself and how would you describe your style? Even if it is fairly versatile and changeable when necessary, I think that my style is pretty much linear. I adore lines. Lines that accompany each other, that meet and in turn create a new shape that is still however elegant. For my bags, I in fact try to create balanced shapes, combining modern classicism with that touch of extravagance that, in my opinion, completes the accessory. I also adore playing with colours, which have the power to almost completely change the image and perception of the bag. What must a designer have to be considered a Talent? Considering yourself a talent today is very difficult. It is up to others to see us as talents, although being regarded as talented by those you respect professionally is definitely a small milestone. There are so many of us wanting to do this wonderful yet challenging job, so we can only try to do our best within our given possibilities. I am however convinced that tenacity and a desire to be successful are always repaid sooner or later, as long as you believe you have given it your all!

Freya Dalsjø

Freya Dalsjö is the Danish designer and founder of the womenswear brand that bears her name. After studying at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Dalsjö returned to Copenhagen to present her first collection for autumn-winter 2012/13 at the Fashion Week. In the same year she took part in the inaugural runway show at the Copenhagen Fashion Week S/S13. This was followed by collaboration with the Kopenhagen Fur luxury brand and participation in the Copenhagen Fashion Week and the London Fashion Week. She also presented her collections at Somerset House in London and at the Pitti Immagine women’s fashion shows. In July 2013, FREYA DALSJØ launched her first accessory collection with special focus on fur bracelets. She has two big passions outside fashion: architecture and psychology, which are fully reflected in her creations. A typical characteristic of hers is to interpret her perception of the female body through her clothes, thanks to use of layers, lines and volumes and special mixes of colours and textures.

Giancarlo Petriglia

Where did your passion for fashion come from? My passion for fashion was born in my mother's wedding dress tailoring shop. I have been fascinated by the world of fashion from a very early age. It has stayed with me like a magical, emotion-packed fairy tale … my collections start with this magic every time…

If you had to introduce yourself: how would you describe yourself? Curious, humble, determined and continually changing…

How would you describe your style? Contriving, eclectic and creative.

And your last collection? It is a collection dedicated to two great women in fashion: Anna Piaggi and Diana Vreeland. Therefore I would describe my new collection at the union of the dreamlike creativity of Anna mixed with the sophisticated glamour of Diana. The cornerstone of my collections is my great attention to materials, which are always exquisite and well-studied. What does being a Talent mean today, or rather, what do you need in order to stand out from all the others?A "Talent" stands out when they manage to communicate their world and style with what they create, not with what they say!

Halaby

Where did your passion for fashion come from? It was the outcome of a need to tell my story through design pieces that give an emotion, even for an instant, to the wearer

If you had to introduce yourself: how would you describe yourself? A narrator telling a beautiful fairy tale; Geometrico. The collection was strongly inspired by the Renaissnce painter and theatrical choreographer Daniel Rabel. All my designs are handmade and printed on cotton duchess, then turned into bags.

What does being a Talent mean today, or rather, what do you need in order to stand out from all the others? Clean-cut, clear ideas, uncontaminated. Poetic inspiration and lots of hard work.

Heavy Machine

When and how did your passion for fashion begin? My always fabulous brother who ignited my passion for fashion by handing me a men's fashion magazine. (laugh)

If you had to introduce yourself: How would you describe yourself? Sweet, naughty, with multi-personality, it depends who I am with. Curious about everything. How would you describe your style? And your latest collection? Flirty, playful, fun, joyful. What does it mean to be a "Talent" today, or rather, what a designer should have to be "different" from others? Dare to be crazy, never cease to imagine and dream.

Ituen Basi

When and how did your passion for fashion begin? My earliest recollection of my journey into fashion goes back to when I was 7. I had poured my blood, sweat and tears into a design project that any young fashion-oriented ingénue would be proud to show their mama, but my mother was not impressed because I had ‘customized’ my school uniform into what I felt was a masterpiece. Years later, as a student of Theatre Arts at the University of Ife in Nigeria, I had a reputation for being a fierce advocate for non-conformity and innovative style which manifested in pieces for costume design for various stage productions. After graduating from the University, I majored in Tailoring and Clothing Technology at the London College of Fashion which, sculpted and molded my artisan skills.

If you had to introduce yourself: How would you describe yourself? How would you describe your style? And your latest collection?ITUEN BASSEY: I am a person who is deeply grateful to God and curiously optimistic. I am enthusiastic and intrigued by the ‘complex’ simplicity of life. I hate travelling but love to go to different places. MY STYLE: My style is very laid back. I love the ‘odd’ interesting pieces that tell a story but will never compromise comfort for fashion. LATEST COLLECTION: For SS 2014 collection ‘Ekemini’, I’ve collaborated with one of Nigeria’s most talented and innovative artist, Victor Ehikhamenor. The collection plays around ethereal African super-beings and is a celebration of the ‘dogged determination’ of the African spirit, which I find most inspiring. ‘Ekemni’ is homage to the 21st century Arican, a fusion of cultural influences as seen in today’s Africa. What does it mean to be a "Talent" today, or rather, what a designer should have to be "different" from others?I believe what best differentiates designers is their unique point of view. The ability to be one’s authentic self always amplifies difference. Being able to communicate that difference in a way that interests your audience is what designers should then strive to achieve in their designs.

Monica Albanese

Where did your passion for fashion come from? Passion is something you are born with, it is your soul and you may never discover it, but if it is strong, if it moves within you, sooner or later it will come out. It is like a wave on the sea, you can't stop it.

If you had to introduce yourself: how would you describe yourself? How would you describe your style? and your last collection? For me definitions are in themselves a kind of strain and rather limiting. I adore all that is experimental and futuristic. My last collection is the outcome of an anthropologic vision of man, immediately translated through the choice of a single colour: BLACK. Clean-cut lines, but by no means simple or without their own beauty and exquisiteness, natural, not man-made.

What does being a Talent mean today, or rather, what do you need in order to stand out from all the others?Being selected to take part in Talents at Super is an honour for me. My work is the expression of what I hold most dear. I feel that respecting this need is a luxury, doing so by coherently expressing what we are. If you do this, the language is honest, loyal because it is yours, unique.

MVP

Where did your passion for fashion come from? Fashion is a way of being, of self-expression and self-identification. It has always been a passion of mine and I have always been fascinated, so much so that I had the desire to create something that reflects me and turn the jewel into a fashion accessory. If you had to introduce yourself, how would you describe yourself? Decisive, determined and somewhat transgressive.

How would you describe your style? Sophisticated, elegant and with attitude.

And your last collection? It is inspired by diamonds, with special attention to the study of their shapes and cuts, around which I created my jewels.

What does being a Talent mean today, or rather, what do you need in order to stand out from all the others? Drive, passion and talent for manufacture, research and study of design and, above all, I think that any self-respecting talent today must excite…

Quattromani

Where did your passion for fashion come from?Fashion is something intrinsic for us, not something that was triggered by an event or particular moment. It has always been part of our DNA.

If you had to introduce yourself: how would you describe yourself? How would you describe your style? And your last collection?We love simplicity, but also experimenting, and this is reflected in the Quattromani style. Our garments feature clean lines, where the materials are what define the silhouette. For next winter, for example, we have used techno melton cloth to lend more structure to jackets and coats; while stretch yarns have let us make corset tops and ultra-slim pants more comfortable.

What does being a Talent mean today, or rather, what do you need in order to stand out from all the others? We think that in order to stand out from the others today, you first of all have to put passion into this work. And then you mustn’t be afraid to experiment with the creation of eclectic original garments that are, however, also wearable.

San Andrès Milano

Where did your passion for fashion come from? I have loved fashion since I was a little boy, but what really fascinated me was the structure of garments; I was enthralled by pattern making and tailoring and at the age of 18, my deep respect for made in Italy brought me to Milan.

If you had to introduce yourself: how would you describe yourself? As someone who loves their job.

How would you describe your style? Neo-retro style... the collection is inspired by an intellectual ladylike woman but with a pinch of craziness. And your last collection? The collection pays tribute to MARIA FELIX, the famous actress and emblem of the golden era of Mexican films, a woman with a perturbing beauty due to her steely gaze and strong, determined personality. The perfect dichotomy of past and present, masculine and feminine, with a neo-retro feel allure.

What does being a Talent mean today, or rather, what do you need in order to stand out from all the others? Talent is continually research into new volumes, combinations and ways of interpreting a contemporary style. In my case, it all happens when I hold a piece of fabric and start to drape it around the mannequin... slowly but surely, with pins and scissors, the garment takes shape. And then it is the little details that make all the difference!

SuperDuper Hats

Where did your passion for fashion come from? And for hats? Our passion for fashion is something we have cultivated over the years, each of us in a different way, coming from different backgrounds and having studied different things. What we shared right from the beginning was precisely the hat - an accessory that we have always worn.

If you had to introduce yourself: how would you describe yourselves? How would you describe your style? And your last collection? Our last woman’s collection is called The Feminine Mystique. It is a collection with a certain mysterious charm, and colours ranging from black to scarlet red, bronze to peach. Lots of new materials, laminated tweed, 3D patterned neoprene, the shiniest patent fringes and tiny visors in leather.

What does being a Talent mean today, or rather, what do you need in order to stand out from all the others? Being Talents today means that a lot of people are counting on us. And we obviously don’t want to let anyone down. There are many factors that help you stand out from the others; to mention just one for example, passion, that enthusiasm that you put into your work. It might not be enough on its own but it definitely makes the difference.

Yasya Minochkina

When and how did your passion for fashion begin? My parents were an amazing sculpture and an amazing painter so I started to take interest in art during my childhood. I also helped my mother's friend, a seamstress, to repair clothes, so I was interested in clothes, fabrics and constructions too. Moreover, my granny had an atelier so my work is a kind of tribute to her. I studied fashion design on courses in CSM and Antwerp Royal Academy and after that launched my own label.

If you had to introduce yourself: How would you describe yourself? How would you describe your style? And your latest collection? I'm a fashion designer from Kiev, Ukraine, I also run my business myself and try to do my best to represent my country on international scene. I create feminine and classic yet edgy clothes for women who work a lot and lead active family and social life. My new collection is inspired by them actually, their needs are always my starting point. Traditionally I work with 60s and 90s, classics and sports, I also was impressed by Kevin Francis Grey's sculptures, his sense of colors and textures is just perfect for me.

What does it mean to be a "Talent" today, or rather, what a designer should have to be "different" from others? To be talented for me means to do something in a very unique way and to be the best in your sphere, but, in my opinion. To be different from others a designer should to be multifunctional, should have an ability to look on things from different points of views, should stay true to himself, should has great ideas and should translate them in collections beautifully.